Having toiled in vain for long periods, the Blues were wobbling when Willian received a second yellow card on 68 minutes. Worse was to come, though, as Fabian Delph improvised superbly to turn in Marc Albrighton's centre before Ramires became the second Chelsea player to be sent off late on.

In the early kick-off, captain Vincent Kompany's tenth-minute dismissal gave City an uphill task at Hull. The visitors' response was spirited, however, strikes from David Silva and Edin Džeko moving them to within six points of the summit with three games in hand.

Elsewhere, Seamus Coleman struck at the death as Everton FC condemned Cardiff City AFC to a 2-1 loss. Defeat for the Bluebirds was further soured as fellow relegation candidates Fulham FC and West Bromwich Albion FC posted victories against Newcastle United FC (1-0) and Swansea City AFC (2-1) respectively. The game between Sunderland AFC and Crystal Palace FC ended goalless.

Elsewhere, Southampton FC prevailed 4-2 at home to Norwich City FC, who fought back from 3-0 down before Sam Gallagher put the result beyond doubt. Stoke City FC made a more successful comeback as they dispatched West Ham United FC 3-1.

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